Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Overview

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) can improve your confidence as well as your profile. In addition to improving appearance, rhinoplasty can help many patients breathe more easily. Patients often travel to Fort Worth for rhinoplasty (nose surgery) at Fort Worth Plastic Surgery. Our patients choose rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, including reducing or enhancing the size/shape of the nose, repairing damage caused by an injury, improving, or restoring breathing, or complementing another facial sculpting procedure, such as eyelid surgery or facelift.

Surgical Technique

Open Rhinoplasty

Many surgeons prefer the open rhinoplasty approach during nose surgery because they can gain a better view and better access to the inside of the nose. The incision using this approach is made on the skin between the nostrils or under the nose near the nostrils. Once the incision is made, the skin is moved back to allow access to the internal structures. The incision lines, which heal nicely leaving scars barely visible, are small and usually measure between 2-3 mm.

Closed Rhinoplasty

The closed rhinoplasty technique is used on noses that have features that are easily corrected. It is commonly used when the tip of the nose has good shape and is not too long, too wide, over or under projected. The incision during this approach is not visible after surgery because it is made on the inside of the nose.

During/After Surgery

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Rhinoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will wear a nose splint and will experience bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Once the bandages and splint are removed, the nose will look normal, but it may take longer for the bruising to subside completely. It can take up to a full year for the nose to gain its final contour and softness.